Ferrari is leading a host of rival teams in designing and implementing a new exhaust system on its 2010 car, and will debut the new specification components at this weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia.

The design is set to mirror the complicated low-mounted exhaust layout of the Red Bull RB6, a tweak widely speculated to be a factor in the Milton Keynes’ squad’s superior pace this season. It is believed that the system provides a lap-time advantage of up to half a second.

Ferrari illegally tested demonstrated an F10 at Fiorano with Fernando Alonso at the wheel, which was rumoured to feature the newly-crafted exhausts – footage of the updated car was posted on Youtube overnight.

Ferrari confirmed that “several modifications and updates” will added to the F10 for this weekend’s Valencia race, although played down the extent to which “reports have suggested” they will impact upon.

The team also confirmed that one of its test drivers, Marc Gené, piloted the F10 in a straight-line test at Vairano last week.

Rumours are also pointing to McLaren, Renault and Mercedes GP are getting set to join the latest aero craze with their own interpretations of the lowered-exhaust system.

Of the three, it is believed that Mercedes GP might be the only team in a position to have its system ready for this weekend’s Valencia Grand Prix. Failing that, it will join the other two teams in having the system operational by the following round at Silverstone.